The Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals faced off in a preseason game on August 13, 2026, with the Cardinals emerging victorious, 27-14. The game was a showcase of young talent, with both teams featuring promising rookie quarterbacks. For the Raiders, it was the highly touted Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 draft pick, who made his preseason debut. Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner, led one touchdown drive and finished with a 6-yard TD pass to Jack Bech, showcasing his potential as a leader and playmaker. However, he also admitted to some missed opportunities, particularly in his timing and anticipation, areas he aims to improve.
The Cardinals, on the other hand, featured a dynamic duo in Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew. Brissett, the starting quarterback, completed all five of his passes for 44 yards and a 7-yard TD to Marvin Harrison Jr. Minshew, a former Raider, joined Brissett to form a potent offensive partnership, connecting on 15 of 15 passes for 123 yards and three touchdowns in the first half. This performance highlighted the depth and versatility of the Cardinals' offense.
The game also saw the debut of rookie Jeremiyah Love, who rushed for 58 yards on 11 carries for the Cardinals. However, there were concerns regarding injuries, as Cardinals rookie right guard Chase Bisontis suffered a serious left knee injury, while Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby, who underwent knee surgery in January, did not play.
This preseason game provided valuable insights into the teams' progress and potential. The Cardinals' strong performance and the Raiders' promising debut from Mendoza suggest that both franchises are on the rise. As the season progresses, fans can anticipate further growth and development from these young talents, setting the stage for an exciting NFL season ahead.
